Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Orissa High Court on Thursday clarified that there is no restriction on organizing the historic Bali Yatra festival at Killa Maidan (Upper Bali Yatra Ground). The clarification came following a compliance affidavit submitted by Cuttack District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, requesting approval to host the festival at its traditional venue. The update was shared by Orissa High Court advocate Bibhuti Bhusan Choudhury.
Referring to its earlier order dated October 30, 2024, the High Court clarified that it had never imposed any restriction on holding the Bali Yatra festival at the Upper Bali Yatra Ground. The Court observed that the district administration is at liberty to organise the event either at the Upper Bali Yatra Ground or the riverbed (Lower Bali Yatra Ground), depending on logistical convenience. In the affidavit, the District Magistrate pointed out that movement between the Upper and Lower Bali Yatra grounds presents certain practical challenges.
